Born in Whalan, MN on June 3, 1905 to Halvor and Caroline (Hjelle) Engebretson. Graduated from Luther Academy in 1923. Graduated from Luther College, 1927.Graduated from Luther Seminary and ordained in 1930. Served as a pastor in Rolette, North Dakota (1930-1937), Walcott, North Dakota (1937-1941), Washington Prairie in rural Decorah, Iowa (1941-1952), Spring Grove, Minnesota (1952-1957), ELC Evangelist (1957-1960), Madison, Minnesota (1960-1970), and Estherville, Iowa (1970-1973). He retired in 1973 and returned to Decorah. He passed away on May 15, 1980.

Engebretson married Irene O. Lembke in 1930. Together they had three children. He was awarded, among other honors, a Distinguished Service Award by Luther College in 1966.

Obituary, Decorah Public Opinion Volume 85, Issue 21.

A Biographical Directory of Pastors of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, compiled by John Peterosn, Olaf Lysnes, and Gerald Giving, 1952.